Portland Police to boost security at high profile events

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Portland Police will have a much more visible presence than usual at large outdoor gatherings this summer.

The Boston Marathon bombings have them re-thinking the way they provide security for a lot of high profile events.

Portland's police chief says he wants the public to know they are paying special attention to security in the wake of the Boston attacks. Police were planning to have extra officers on duty for a special 5K race at Back Cove to benefit the One Boston Fund Monday night.

You can expect more of the same as the warmer weather nears along with some large outside gatherings including the Mother's Day 5k race, The Old Port Festival and Portland's Fourth of July celebration. Police say they will meet with organizers to map out security plans specific for each individual event.

"It's a very difficult venue to deal with, an open air scenario where people can come and go as they please. That's the fun part of these events so we don't want to go overboard with the way we try to control them but it is safe to say there will be enhanced security," said Portland Police Chief Michael Sauschuck.

The chief says officers came and checked out the course before people started gathering for the race. He also said there would be more unformed officers there during the race.